Gun Review: Doublestar 1911

Accuracy, reliability and American pride. They are qualities DoubleStar builds into each of its many AR-15 offerings. Now, the Kentucky-based manufacturer is bringing those same attributes down to size by building them into its first-ever handgun.

DoubleStar’s 1911 has been a four-year labor of love for Jack Starnes, president of J&T Distributing, a DoubleStar affiliate company. Starnes is a former 1911 competitive shooter with a longtime fascination with all things Colt. He started J&T Distributing more than 30 years ago with Colt products and reloaded ammo as a means of supporting his own shooting hobby.

“What we set out to do was produce a high-quality 1911 that delivers match gun performance at a production price,” Starnes said. “We accomplished that and more.”

The handgun uses only American-made components and retails for less than $1,200.

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DoubleStar started with a forged — not cast — steel frame to ensure maximum strength and accuracy. Forging produces a stronger frame by aligning the grain structure of the steel, whereas the annealing and heat-treating of casting may strengthen steel, but it still leaves hard and soft spots in the metal.

DoubleStar’s 1911 offers a parkerized, mil-spec finish and 1913 rail for laser, light and scope attachments. At 8 inches in length and 38 ounces unloaded, the handgun features a 5” stainless steel barrel and a Novak white dot sight.

The 1911 is standard with National Match stainless barrel, Greider trigger and Ed Brown’s Memory Grip Safety. Grips are available in Ergo, Stryder, standard, fancy walnut and even exotic woods.

“We think it’s important to give buyers options that allow them to create a semi-custom handgun, yet the price doesn’t reflect that customization,” Starnes said.

DoubleStar Corp. is a Kentucky-based firearms manufacturer specializing in tactical weapons for the law enforcement, military and shooting sports markets. More information about DoubleStar’s product line is available on its website at www.star15.com. Orders can also be placed by calling 1-888-736-7725 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time Monday through Friday.